With the news that Everest slot holder Menari has been ruled out of the race the Darren Weir trained Nature Strip has shortened into $8 to win the $13m Sydney feature.

Nature Strip had moved into $8.50 after his emphatic win in the Lightning Stakes at Morphettville although with the announcement that JHB had given their slot to Vega Magic leaving only one slot to be filled he had then been moved out to $11 until this morning when news broke that slot holder Menari has suffered a career threatening injury thus opening a place in the race.

Bookmakers suggest the slot will now be given to Nature Strip who has made it three from three since moving to the ever conquering Weir stable.